Picture this: You come home after a hectic day with a mild headache, and all you want to do is sit back and relax. For most of us, relaxing is equivalent to enjoying a cup of kadak chai along with some delectable snacks. Isn’t that true? There is something so comforting about that evening cuppa that all of our stress just seems to vanish. In India, tea is an emotion that we tend to be overwhelmed with as the clock strikes 4 every evening, and this is also when our stomach automatically starts growling for something greasy, crispy and decadent.
A discussion on crispy, decadent tea-time snacks is incomplete without the mention of aloo or potato. Whether it’s at home or at tiny eateries near your office/college, one thing that is common is potato-based snacks. From aloo pakora, bonda, samosa to aloo patties and more, these are some of the most common aloo-based snacks one can find to pair with your daily cup of evening tea. Not only are they super quick and easy to make, but also extremely delicious.
Potatoes are unarguably one of the world’s most favourite foods, more so because they are extremely versatile. From yummy curries in the main course to crispy starters and appetisers, and even salads, this humble veggie can be used in creating recipes galore. However, if you are still confused about how to amp up your snack game, we have you covered. Today, we bring you some yummy street-style potato snack recipes that you would love to devour with your chai.
1. Aloo Bread Pakora
The classic of all, pakoras are a favourite of most Indians when it comes to snacking with chai. Bread slices stuffed with masaledar mashed potato and then dipped in besan flour, fried until golden crisp, isn’t that simply irresistible? You can pair it with a mint chutney and some onions!
2. Aloo Bonda
Another favourite from the list, aloo bonda has potatoes mashed with salt, asafoetida, chillies, coriander leaves and lemon juice. The bondas are then deep fried and served with a tangy green chutney or tomato ketchup. Seems perfect, doesn’t it?
3. Aloo Patties
Everyone’s favourite, these crispy aloo patties is a super interesting recipe. Crunchy aloo patties made with a mix of a variety of spices and herbs, including chilli powder, coriander powder, mango powder, onion, ginger and chillies. These patties are deep-fried and placed inside buttered buns, along with mayonnaise and cucumber slices. Seems like a perfect evening snack.
4. Cheesy Potato Nuggets
These nuggets aren’t just a great tea-time snack, but are also perfect appetisers for parties at home. Cheesy bits mixed with potatoes and deep-fried to crispy tidbits, isn’t all that we need for a lazy evening?
5. French Fries
Unarguably, one of the most loved finger foods by kids and adults alike. French fries make snacking look good. Besides, being just too delicious, French fries are also super easy to prepare.
6. Vada Pav
India’s very own burger, vada pav is the most popular street food from Maharashtra, so much so that every Mumbai is almost synonymous to vada pav. It is basically Batata vada sandwiched between slices of a pav along with a generous amount of sweet and spicy chutneys. If you haven’t tried it yet, you must do so with your next cup of evening chai.